Python. What a piece of junk.

[sinistral]

I only paid 20 bucks for mine online a few years ago.
http/petsolutions.com/search.asp?t=ss&ss=python

Are you talking about the 50ft python or the 25ft? The 25 ft python is still about US$20-25 from most online vendors. The 50ft tends to be more expensive. Those DIY plans are for the 50ft, so there is potentially a significant savings.

 

[heresmike]

 

[nightlife20]

u can get the hosin pretty cheep round here, iv got a normal shake-syphon that u can extend to go out the window (its only for emptying the tank tho) and i brought it for my little 2ft tank, but when i got the 4ft tank i found the tubing wasnt long enough... so instead of shellin out 13-14 for a new syphon i shelled out 2 for over 3ft of piping that dosnt kink... same stuff...


i dont actualy think the 'python' would benifit me as iv got weird taps.. also as i said in a recent post i avnt got a 'combined' hot/cold tap, both of mine are seperate.... so like i said id have to either 1)boil the fish or 2)freeze the fish, and neither option sounds good.

ill stick to the tried an tested reliable old bucket way. its what im used to an i hate changing.

 

[silver]

Hmmmmmm,
I am SOOOOOOO interested in this!!!!!

I think, yes I think I am going to go get a PYTHON!!!!!!!!

I finally get it!!! Although I am still a little worried about adjusting the tap water while it's filling up.....you know how when you're doing the old "fill up the bucket" routine and you kind of have to adjust the temp of the water each time you fill up?? I suppose you could stick you hand in the flow of water coming into the tank from the Python every minute or so just to make sure someone in the house didn't FLUSH!!!!! )

 

[Bol]

As far as temp goes, I just adjust the temp with the Python in 'drain mode', and check it with a thermometer where the water runs out. When the temperature stabilizes, just fill.

I used to check the temp half way through filling, but it was constant enough to not to have to bother. Your water supply (especially if you live in an apartment/condo) may be different.

The DIY thing sounds like a good idea, if you could get a proper hose. I sort of wonder, though .... is your average $5 waterbed fill and drain 'pump' any better quality than the piece included in the Python?

Also, just to pick nits ...

Those DIY plans are for the 50ft, so there is potentially a significant savings.

That's quite true, although to be fair, the linked DIY plans include a 'free' gravel vacuum, so the savings are not quite as significant as they first appear. And, of course, it assumes that for you, a garden hose is an acceptable part (i.e. although it's very close, it's not quite 'apples and apples').

 

[sinistral]

Also, just to pick nits ...

Those DIY plans are for the 50ft, so there is potentially a significant savings.

That's quite true, although to be fair, the linked DIY plans include a 'free' gravel vacuum, so the savings are not quite as significant as they first appear.

Good point! I noticed that too, but I was too lazy to point it out. I should have known it wouldn't pass muster with you Bol!

I do the same thing as others in terms of filling: that is, I check it with a thermometer coming out of the tap, and then when I fill the tank I direct the flow of water from the python towards the thermometer in the tank. This way I notice if anything is changing dramatically.

 

[rollntider]

.... is your average $5 waterbed fill and drain 'pump' any better quality than the piece included in the Python?

http/petsolutions.com/search.asp?t=ss&ss...hcd2=1085716389 the pump is 4.99 at this site.

 

[konrad05]

I feel sorry for anybody who has to use those algae mitts, lol.

 

[Tropjunky]

I've never used one and i don't intend to. waste of money wots wrong with a siphon.

 

[luxum]

Well Tropjunky, there is nothing ~wrong~ with a normal siphon, it's just a lot more physical work to lug buckets of water around. The python is very convienient and minimizes spills, that makes it easier to do water changes and makes you less likely to procrastinate them. Well, that's what it does for me anyway. I live in an apartment, filling buckets in the tub and then walking them through the house to my tank sucks, and i'm not too strong so i can only carry small buckets, that means many trips back and forth. It does increase your water usage if you use it to drain though, and you'll lose the tankwater down the drain. Occasionally i use a normal siphon to get a bucket of tankwater water to rinse the filter media, and use it to water my houseplants or the ones i keep on the balcony, good gentle fertilizer.

 

[heresmike]

I've never used one and i don't intend to. waste of money wots wrong with a siphon.

Well there isn't anything wrong with a siphon. It most likely suits your needs for your 12 gallon. If you'd have more and larger tanks and didn't use a python, you'd be hauling lots of buckets of water here and there and maybe up and down stairs. Could become a grind and therefore an easy-to-put-off task.

 

[heresmike]

Well Tropjunky, there is nothing ~wrong~ with a normal siphon, it's just a lot more physical work to lug buckets of water around. The python is very convienient and minimizes spills, that makes it easier to do water changes and makes you less likely to procrastinate them.

Wow luxum.... are we on the same wavelength here, or what?!?

 

[luxum]

Outta my head, Heresmike!

 

[Socrates]

I've never used one and i don't intend to. waste of money wots wrong with a siphon.

I wouldn't say it's a wate of money. I'd just say it could be made a little stronger.